Interactive compacts and cosmetic cases and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets include: a) a case component comprising at least two independent sections, b) a plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled with the case component, and d) an audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case component. Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that include providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the interactive cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the instructions.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is interactive cosmetic cases and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND

The cosmetics industry continues to push the envelope by developing new “looks” with respect to the application of makeup, including eyeshadow, eyeliners, mascara, false eyelashes, brow coloring and liner, lipsticks and glosses, blushes and bronzers and other cosmetics and applications. These particular looks are popular, but women are often left on their own to figure out how to achieve that look with a particular group of cosmetics.

There are brochures, digital video discs (DVDs), websites and inserts that come either separate or that accompany cosmetic sets that outline and describe how to apply different cosmetics in such a way as to achieve particular and trendy looks. In these instances, it may be that the brochures and websites do not provide any guidance as to the colors to select or brands that are compatible with one another. If brochures and inserts accompany cosmetic sets, it does give one a set of matched cosmetics, but the brochure or insert may not be instructive or may get lost once the cosmetic set is opened. One does not want to carry around a brochure in her purse with the cosmetic set, in order to remember how to apply or touch up a particular look.

Therefore, there is a need for an interactive cosmetic set designed to accomplish a particular look or to be applied to a particular skin tone where the components are provided to produce the look and there are instructions included with the cosmetic set, such that those instructions are not separate from the cosmetic set and are specifically directed to applying and/or touching up a certain look. These ideal cosmetic sets would be convenient for the user, along with the potential benefits of being refillable, interchangeable and updateable via downloads as new colors and products are introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a basic compact 100 with color cosmetics inserts 110, which are inserted into a base 150. The top 120 of the compact 100 contains a mirror 140 and a button or touch pad 130. When the user depresses or touches the button or touch pad 130, an audio file or tape (not shown) is triggered and a voice begins to give instructions about how these particular colors are applied to the face.

FIG. 2 shows the same compact 200, but with the button or touch pad 230 in the middle of the base 250 and between the color cosmetics 210, thus leaving the top 240 and mirror 220 fully intact.

FIG. 3 shows another shape compact 300 with two color cosmetic inserts 310. Button or touch pad 330 is in the middle of the cosmetic inserts 310 on the base 350, thus leaving the top 340 and the mirror 320 fully intact.

FIG. 4 shows a unique product where two or more audio files or tapes (not shown) wherein the compact 400 comprises two or more color palettes 410 and 415 and two or more buttons or touch pads 430 and 435, in this case. The top 440 and the mirror 420 are fully intact.

FIG. 5 shows a similar compact 500, which contains at least two color palettes 510 and 515, along with at least two buttons or touch pads 530 and 535. This particular compact also contains some or all of the brushes 518 the user will need to achieve the look, along with mascara, eyeliner and/or lipstick or lip gloss 519.

FIG. 6 shows the back 650 of a contemplated compact 600 comprising an audio cartridge 670 which is locked or snapped into place by at least two holders 675. The back 650 of the compact 600 may also contain a bar code 660 and/or a list of ingredients or other information (not shown).

FIG. 7 shows another contemplated compact where at least two audio cartridges 770 are snapped into place in the back 750 of the compact 700.

FIG. 8 shows a top (A) and a side/cross-section (B) view of a compact 800 showing where the color inserts 810, button or touch pad 830 and audio/video cassette 870 may sit in relation to one another.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets include: a) a case component comprising at least two independent sections, b) a plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled with the case component, and d) an audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case component.

Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that include providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the interactive cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the cosmetic set, reviewing: a set of instructions provided by the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the instructions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Surprisingly, an interactive cosmetic case set designed to accomplish a particular look, a particular makeup trend or to be applied to a particular skin tone has been developed where the components are provided to produce the look and there are instructions included with the cosmetic set, such that those instructions are not separate from the cosmetic set and are specifically directed to applying and/or touching up a certain look. Contemplated cosmetic sets are convenient for the user, along with optionally being refillable, interchangeable and updateable via downloads as new colors and products are introduced. Instructions may be provided be either a permanent or temporary video insert and/or audio insert into the compact or cosmetics container.

Specifically, contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets include: a) a case component comprising at least two independent sections, b) a plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled with the case component, c) a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled with the case component, and d) an audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case component. In some embodiments, a contemplated interactive cosmetic case set may include other items that are inserted into or stored in the base or lid sections of the case component, including brushes, applicators, lipsticks or glosses, false eyelashes, instruments, such as tweezers, adhesives and glues, mascara or eyeliner, containers of loose powder or combinations thereof.

For example, a contemplated cosmetic case has been produced that is directed at providing a user with the components needed to produce a “smoky eye” or an eyeshadow look that is trendy where the colors transition from dark to light with smoky contours. Although this look is popular in magazines and on models, it can be difficult to achieve by a typical consumer. Therefore, the compact may provide not only the components to produce the smoky eye look, but also audio and/or video instructions to achieve this particular look.

Another contemplated interactive cosmetic case may comprise informational materials and cosmetic pods directed to achieving a “day look” and then a “night look” using the same cosmetics and additional products. In yet another contemplated interactive cosmetic case, the product may comprise cosmetic pods that comprise false eyelashes, along with additional components designed to apply those eyelashes, while audio and/or video informational materials walks the consumer through the application and/or maintenance process.

Contemplated interactive cosmetic case sets comprise a case component, wherein the case component comprises at least two independent sections. The at least two independent sections may comprise a base section and a lid section, or may be a tri-fold component, where there are a plurality of sections. In one embodiment, the base section and the lid section are coupled via a hinge or other rotatably coupling device, similar to conventional compacts. In another embodiment, the base section and the lid section are slideably coupled, such that one section slides against the other section to expose the inside of the case component.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means that at least two components, pods or other materials are a) joined together a suitable way, such as by inserting one component into a slot, depression or hole of another component, b) attached by a rotatably coupling device, such as a hinge, slidably coupling at least two components, c) joined by utilizing adhesive, magnets or another interface material or force, and d) joined by utilizing a third component, such as a cord, another component, a wire, other another suitable device or component.

Contemplated base sections comprise an inside portion and an outer portion. The inside portion is that part of the base section that forms at least part of the inside of the case component. The outer portion of the base section is that part of the base section that is at least partly outside of the case component, such as the back of a compact. Contemplated lid sections comprise an inside segment and an outer segment. The inside segment of the lid section is that part of the lid section that is at least partly inside of the case component, such as where a mirror might be stored or placed. The outer segment of the lid section is that part of the lid section that is at least partly outside of the case component, such as the top of a compact where a logo or design would be placed.

As mentioned, audio and/or video instructions or information may be included in the cosmetic case with the cosmetics components or pods to instruct the user how to achieve a particular look or apply a particular product (such as false eyelashes, which are notoriously difficult to apply for the general consumer). In the case of audio instructions or information, they can be provided on, recorded on or downloaded to a medium, such as a chip, MP3 or MP4 player, digital device or tape and permanently loaded into part of the compact or cosmetics case set. In other embodiments, the medium that makes up the audio, video or combination pod is rewritable and/or removable. The user can listen to these instructions or information by engaging a triggering device, such as a button, keypad, touchpad or lock on some part of the compact. The audio pod, video pod or combination there may be coupled at least in part with one or more of the independent sections, such as the base section or the lid section.

FIG. 1, which will be described in greater detail herein, shows a contemplated interactive cosmetics case where the plurality of cosmetic pods are coupled to the base section of the case component and the audio instructions are located in a audio pod in the inside segment of the lid section of the case component, wherein the instructions are activated when a user presses a button inside the case component. Audio instructions may also be activated when a user touches part of the inside or side of the compact. Instructions and/or demos may also be provided by a video device located inside or outside of the compact. These instructions and/or demos can be shown on small LCD devices or other digital video devices, especially given the fact that these devices are getting less costly.

Instructions and/or demos may also be provided by a video device located inside or outside of the cosmetic case component These instructions and/or demos can be shown on small LCD devices or other digital video devices, especially given the fact that these devices are getting smaller, thinner and less costly. So, in one contemplated example, the user pushes a button or activates a touch pad on the base of the compact, and the mirror becomes the display device showing a video on how to apply the cosmetics. This mirror or compact display area may be a liquid crystal or another suitable material that would allow it to be opaque and reflective for viewing one's face and transparent for viewing a video. This transformation can take place by altering the orientation of crystals or constituents in the display panel.

The audio and/or video instructions may also come included in small inserts that are designed to be inserted and then later removed from basic compacts or cosmetics cases. So, if trends and looks change, a user can buy one compact and then buy removable sets of cosmetics and video/audio instructions, insert each into the compact and get started on a new look.

Another feature of contemplated embodiments is that the audio and/or video instructions may come in different languages. This feature of the instructions is an improvement over printed instructions in that booklets of instructions containing different languages do not need to be produced and included, but instead, each audio or video instruction cartridge can be labeled as including one language and the user can pick the audio or video insert or pod that includes the necessary language. Audio and/or video pods may come in a combination of languages, so that a pod may provide instructions in English, French and Greek without having to exchange out pods.

Another feature of contemplated embodiments is that audio and/or video components, audio pods, video pods, and/or audio/video (AV) pods may be included with the informational component, such that a particular tune, song or jingle is played as part of the recording. A recorded message may also be included from the consumer. For example, if a daughter wanted to purchase one of the interactive cosmetic case sets designed to instruct someone on how to produce “pouty lips” and give it to her mother—she could record a brief introductory message before the instructions on the application of the product begins. When her mother activates the audio and/or video pod, the first voice she hears is from her daughter—making the gift more personal.

FIGS. 1-8 show several contemplated embodiments of interactive cosmetic case sets and compacts and cases that contain audio and/or video inserts/pods, along with specific cosmetics sets and colors. These compacts and cosmetics cases can be designed with any number of suitable designs, suitable cosmetics and suitable materials.

FIG. 1 shows a basic compact or case component 100 with color cosmetics inserts or cosmetic pods 110, which are coupled with or into a base section 150. The top or lid section 120 of the case component 100 contains a mirror 140 and a button or touch pad 130. When the user depresses or touches the button or touch pad 130, an audio file or tape (not shown) is triggered and a voice begins to give instructions about how these particular colors are applied to the face. FIG. 2 shows the same compact 200, but with the button or touch pad 230 in the middle of the base section 250 and between the cosmetic pods 210, thus leaving the lid section 240 and mirror 220 fully intact.

FIG. 3 shows another shape case component 300 with two color cosmetic inserts or pods 310. Button or touch pad 330 is in the middle of the cosmetic inserts 310 on the base 350, thus leaving the lid section 340 and the mirror 320 fully intact.

FIG. 4 shows a unique product with two or more audio pods (not shown) wherein the case component 400 comprises two or more color palettes 410 and 415 and two or more buttons or touch pads 430 and 435, in this case. The lid section 440 and the mirror 420 are fully intact. FIG. 5 shows a similar case component 500, which contains at least two color palettes 510 and 515, along with at least two buttons or touch pads 530 and 535. This particular cosmetic case set also contains some or all of the brushes 518 the user will need to achieve the look, along with mascara, eyeliner and/or lipstick or lip gloss 519.

FIG. 6 shows the back 650 of a contemplated case component 600 comprising an audio pod 670 which is locked or snapped into place by at least two holders 675. The outer portion of the base section 650 of the case component 600 may also contain a bar code 660 and/or a list of ingredients or other information (not shown). FIG. 7 shows another contemplated case component where at least two audio pods 770 are snapped into place in the outer portion of the base section 750 of the case component 700. FIG. 8 shows a top (A) and a side/cross-section (B) view of a case component 800 showing where the color inserts 810, button or touch pad 830 and audio/video pod 870 may sit in relation to one another.

The cosmetics compacts and/or cases may first be made out of any suitable material, fabric or combination thereof. Contemplated materials include plastic, metal, cardboard, natural fibers or materials, or combinations thereof. Contemplated fabric choices may include natural or synthetic fabric, including denim, silk, cotton, polyester, rayon, linen, velvet, leather, suede or any combination thereof.

The cosmetics compacts and/or cases may also comprise any suitable design. These designs may comprise nonsensical or random designs, may comprise logos, trademarks or expressions, or a combination thereof. For example, a company may produce jeans and then produce a line of cosmetics compacts and/or cases, some of which contain the logo of the company, some of which contain a random design and some of which contain a tag line with a random design. It should be clear that the designs and combinations of these designs are only limited by the creativity of the designer or company producing the cosmetics compacts and/or cases.

Methods are also provided of applying cosmetics that include providing an interactive cosmetic case set, opening the interactive cosmetic case set, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the instructions.

One contemplated feature of the interactive cosmetics case sets disclosed herein is that they are reusable depending on the needs of the consumer. This “green” functionality is important when considering that consumers do not want to throw away cosmetic cases or compacts when the original cosmetic pods are gone. Consumers want to replace those pods with similar product, or more realistic, replace those cosmetic and audio/video pods with new and trendy colors and looks. The “plug and play” aspect of these contemplated products is also very attractive to the producer of the product—who can feel free to design case components targeted at different markets, such as tweens, teens, professional women, older women, etc. The case can be a higher end product for the consumer, while at the same time reducing waste.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of interactive cosmetics compacts and/or cases and uses thereof have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

1. An interactive cosmetic case set, comprising: a case component comprising at least two independent sections, a plurality of cosmetic pods, wherein the cosmetic pods are coupled with the case component, a mirror, wherein the mirror is coupled with the case component, and an audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod, wherein the pod is coupled with the case component.
 2. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the at least two independent sections of the case component are coupled via a hinge or other rotatably coupling device.
 3. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the at least two independent sections of the case component are slideably coupled.
 4. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two independent sections comprises a base section.
 5. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 4, wherein the base section comprises an inside portion and an outer portion.
 6. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cosmetic pods are coupled with the inside portion of the base section of the case component.
 7. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two independent sections comprises a lid section.
 8. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 7, wherein the lid section comprises an inside segment and an outer segment.
 9. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 8, wherein the mirror is coupled to the inside segment of the lid section.
 10. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 4, wherein the audio, video or audio/video combination pod is coupled at least in part with the base section.
 11. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 7, wherein the audio, video or audio/video combination pod is coupled at least in part with the lid section.
 12. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod is removable.
 13. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the audio, video or audio/video combination (AV) pod is rewritable.
 14. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, further comprising a display device.
 15. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 14, wherein the display device comprises a liquid crystal display or a digital video display.
 16. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic set further comprises at least one additional item that is coupled to the case component.
 17. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 16, wherein the at least one additional item includes brushes, applicators, lipsticks or glosses, mascara or eyeliner, containers of loose powder, instruments, adhesives or combinations thereof.
 18. The interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cosmetic pods comprises eye shadow powder, foundation powder, blusher powder or a combination thereof.
 19. A method of applying cosmetics, comprising: providing the interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, opening the interactive cosmetic case set of claim 1, engaging the audio, video or AV pod of the cosmetic set, reviewing a set of instructions provided by the audio, video or AV pod, and applying at least some of the cosmetics in the interactive cosmetic case set according to the instructions. 